What is Pulse?

Pulse is an award winning solid state electronic rear end collision avoidance system designed for use in automobiles and light duty trucks manufactured after 1991. When you press the brake pedal in your car, Pulse causes the “3rd” brake light (a.k.a. Center High Mount Stop Lamp, or “CHMSL” for short) to pulse four times, warning the driver behind you that you are slowing down or stopping. 37% of all accidents are rear end collisions, and 28% of those are deemed to be a “total loss” by an insurance adjustor. A recent DOT study demonstrated that approximately 90% of all rear end collisions are avoidable if the trailing driver had just one extra second of warning. Pulse can provide that warning.

Where can I get Pulse?

You can buy Pulse at any one of hundreds of new and used automobile dealers, nationwide. If you are unsure about your favorite car dealer, please contact us at info@pulseprotects.com and we will contact your dealer for you. Pulse can be sold directly to qualified fleet owners / operators.

Can I get a discount on my insurance if I install Pulse in my car?

Pulse is actively working with several insurance underwriters to help ensure that the installation of Pulse might result in a discount in your insurance premiums. Ask your insurance broker for the details on any possible discounts and advise him/her that you’ve installed a “rear-end collision avoidance system” on your vehicle.

Will Pulse work in my vehicle?

Does Pulse come with a warranty?

Through its network of new and used automobile dealers, Pulse comes with a 5-year, unlimited mileage, no questions asked, product replacement warranty for manufacturing defects, as well as an optional additional Total Loss Protection benefit at participating dealerships. Ask your dealer for details.

How does Pulse protect me / my family?

A recent DOT study demonstrated that approximately 90% of rear end collisions are avoidable if the following driver had one more second of warning. Almost everyone has had their lives significantly affected by a rear end collision (whether personally or someone close). Pulse can provide the extra warning that keeps you / your family safe from rear end collisions. By providing a visual alert, Pulse is demonstrated in DOT and manufacturer studies to improve the reaction time of the driver behind you and to get the attention of distracted drivers focused back on the road.

Can I install Pulse myself?

Can I buy Pulse on the Internet?

Unfortunately, Pulse is not sold on the Internet and is not sold directly to the consumer. By distributing through qualified automobile dealerships, we can maintain our high quality standards. Contact us at info@pulseprotects.com our safety concierge will help facilitate the installation of Pulse at a favored dealer near you.

Is Pulse expensive?

Pulse is fairly inexpensive, typically adding only about $5 to your monthly car payment. The benefit, though, of being able to help protect you and your family from rear end collision is immeasurable. How can you afford not to have Pulse?

How does Pulse affect my braking system?

Pulse has no effect on your braking system whatsoever. It is an award winning, solid state electronic device that connects to the electrical system of your car and functions independently of your braking system.

How reliable is Pulse and what happens if Pulse quits operating?

Quality and quality control are core values of Williams & Lake and its Pulse product. 100% of the Pulse safer braking technology units are tested by the manufacturer prior to shipping to your dealer. While it is common for most manufacturers to randomly sample one unit out of 10,000 (for example), our manufacturer hand tests every individual unit. In the many years that Pulse has been in the marketplace, we are not aware of any unit failures. However, the units were designed such that if they did fail, then your 3rd brake light would operate normally, as if the unit was not there. In reality, it is much more likely that the bulb for your 3rd brake light has burned out than you would experience a failure of the Pulse solid state electronic unit.

Will Pulse affect my vehicle’s warranty?

No, it is against the law for the vehicle manufacturer to void the warranty based on having Pulse on your car. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (15 USC 2302(C)) states that, “Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle.” The only piece of equipment affected by Pulse is a light bulb. See the FTC ruling here.

How big is Pulse and where is it installed?

What’s the history of the third brake light?

Legend has it that in 1973, a San Francisco cab driver was rear-ended for the twelfth time. In frustration, the cabbie hard-wired a truck light to his rear brake lights and placed it in his back window, effectively inventing the third brake light. Story goes, he’s never been rear-ended since.

In 1986, the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) – or what we all think of as the “third brake light” – was mandated for use in the United States. The theory, of course, was that a brake light placed higher and more prominently at the back of the car would help to prevent rear-end collisions. Does it work? No automobile or light duty truck manufactured after 1991 for sale in the US has been manufactured without a third brake light, so you tell us!

A couple of months ago I attended a family member’s 60th birthday party. There was tons of great food, good company and an open bar. One of my boyfriend’s nephews (who’s in his early twenties) was enjoying the open bar a little too much, so we offered to be his designated driver and drive him…